Vacancy: Librarian

Institution: International Peace College South Africa (IPSA)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Position Type: Contract (2 years)

Remuneration: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Working Hours: Full-time

The International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) invites applications for the position of Librarian. The role is vital to strengthening IPSA’s academic environment by providing access to quality information resources that support teaching, learning and research. The successful candidate will contribute to IPSA’s vision of revitalising the intellectual and spiritual dynamism of the Muslim community through the principle of wasatiyyah, nurturing authentic South African Islamic scholarship and supporting learners who will help build a just society locally and globally.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric, Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) in Library and Information Science or equivalent qualification.
• Background in Arabic and Islamic Studies
• Minimum 3 years, experience in academic library services, research support and information management.
• Knowledge of library cataloguing standards, classification systems and digital library tools.
• Ability to train students and staff in information literacy, research skills and referencing.
• Experience in managing digital collections, academic databases and journals will be an advantage.
• Understanding of higher education library needs and academic ethics.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily library operations, library assistants and student support services.
• Develop and maintain print and digital collections with strong focus on Islamic Studies, Humanities and South African scholarship.
• Catalogue and classify resources using accepted international standards.
• Provide research support, information literacy training, referencing guidance and library orientation to students and lecturers.
• Administer borrowing systems, track overdue materials and ensure ethical use of resources.
• Manage subscriptions to journals, databases and other electronic sources.
• Develop policies that support library management, resource security and academic integrity.
• Compile library usage statistics, development plans and reports for management.
• Promote a research culture through workshops, displays, information sessions and academic resources.
• Ensure preservation, conservation and security of library holdings.
• Liaise with academic departments to align library resources with curriculum needs.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication, interpersonal and advisory skills.
• Excellent organisational ability with strong attention to detail.
• Competence in academic referencing systems such as APA, Harvard or Chicago.
• Ability to work independently, manage resources and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with library software, research databases and digital cataloguing tools.
• Commitment to service excellence, academic ethics and institutional values.

Why Join IPSA?

• Support a unique blend of Islamic scholarship and academic excellence.
• Contribute to developing a vibrant research and learning culture in higher education.
• Work within a collaborative, student-centred environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training and research engagement.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A comprehensive CV
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• A cover letter
• Names and contact details of three referees

Closing Date: 5 December 2025
Applications should be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Disclaimer: If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

For more information contact: IPSA CEO, Dr Dawood Terblanche, 074 151 4951.